WHO: Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Los Angeles Councilman Joe Buscaino, Port of Los Angeles officials, marine scientists, academic and business leaders will unveil new name, vision, and major funding commitment for a collaborative public/private partnership to transform a 100-year old port pier into a new world-class urban marine research and innovation center.

WHAT: The 28-acre site at City Dock No. 1 just south of Ports O’ Call on the LA Waterfront in San Pedro will become a nexus for innovative marine research, featuring circulating sea-water labs, offices, classrooms, lecture halls, interpretative center, support facilities and space for the world’s largest seawater wave tank. Phase 1 of the project is estimated to cost $155 million with a 2018 completion goal.

WHEN: Monday, June 17, 2013, 11:45 a.m. PST

WHERE: Berth 58 at the Port of Los Angeles

WHY: This new urban marine research and innovation center will bring together researchers and scientists from Southern California’s major colleges and universities, government agencies and industries to collaborate on new ideas and technologies to help better respond to global and national ocean-related problems. The entire project is estimated to cost $500 million, with completion over a 15- to 20-year timeframe. See LA Times pre-event coverage here.